For the last few seasons there hasn’t been a bigger basket case in the NRL than the Newcastle Knights.

However, the Novacastrians only sit two points behind Wests Tigers (with a for and against only marginally worse) on the ladder at the moment, meaning the orange, black and white are not assured of avoiding the dreaded wooden spoon this year. Even worse, the Knights – to the surprise of most – have somehow managed to string two consecutive wins together, meaning they have form on their side.

Wests Tigers do not.

Here is how the rest of the season will likely pan out.

ROUND 23

The Knights winning streak will come to an abrupt holt when the Parramatta Eels beat them comfortably this Friday night.

The Wests Tigers will also taste that familiar feeling of defeat as Daly Cherry-Evans puts on a masterclass for the Manly Sea Eagles on Sunday.

ROUND 24

Everyone expects the Knights to be blown away by competition favorites the Melbourne Storm, however the cellar-dwellers don’t go down without a fight and are valiant in defeat.

James Tedesco faces his future team mates at the Sydney Roosters and they show no mercy, easily accounting for the Wests Tigers.

ROUND 25

Both teams enjoy wins this round with Wests Tigers getting on top of the North Queensland Cowboys at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, and the Knights beating the Raiders in Canberra.

ROUND 26

The Knights are trounced by a Cronulla Sharks side who are determined to go back-to-back while Wests Tigers ensure the New Zealand Warriors end their year on a low.